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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 29 May 2023.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to congratulate him on his re-election.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Türkiye, as economic partners and close Nato allies.

    He reflected on Türkiye’s ongoing recovery from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year and pledged the UK’s continued solidarity with the Turkish people.

    The leaders agreed to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.

  • PRESS RELEASE : African Union communiqué of 27 May 2023 on Sudan – Troika and EU response [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : African Union communiqué of 27 May 2023 on Sudan – Troika and EU response [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

    Special envoys and representatives from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union have issued a statement.

    Statement by special envoys and representatives from Norway, the UK, the US and the EU:

    Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the 2 warring parties and the suffering they have caused the people of Sudan. The Troika plus EU reaffirms its support for African leadership and the AU’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, and welcomes the AU’s work to establish an expanded mechanism and its Core Group to ensure inclusive and coordinated regional and international action to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Coronation celebration in Jordan – British Ambassador’s speech [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Coronation celebration in Jordan – British Ambassador’s speech [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

    British Ambassador to Jordan, Bridget Brind OBE, spoke of the work the UK and Jordan are doing to advance our century-long friendship and partnership.

    Good evening Your Royal Highnesses, Ministers, distinguished guests, partners and friends. I’m honoured by your presence here tonight.

    On behalf of my family and everyone at the British Embassy and British Council in Jordan, I should like to welcome you and thank you for joining us to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

    As the first Coronation in the United Kingdom for 70 years, this was a historic event. It was a truly magnificent spectacle, combining centuries old traditions with new elements reflecting modern Britain.

    I was particularly struck by the emphasis on service, diversity and community. The new King said he came to serve and not to be served. Leaders of all faiths were represented, as were all parts of the UK. Guests included world leaders and distinguished guests from more than 200 countries, but also volunteers and representatives of civil society organisations. Some of the key roles in the ceremony were carried out by women.

    As a musician, I particularly enjoyed the beautiful music – from songs in Welsh and Greek, to a gospel choir and the rousing sounds of Handel’s Zadok the Priest – played at every Coronation since it was composed for the coronation of George II in 1727 – and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.4. Of the twelve new commissions composed for the occasion by world-renowned British composers from the worlds of sacred, classical, theatre, film and television music, 5 were by women.

    I am delighted that among the guests were both Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania, and also an impressive young Jordanian woman, Sara Abu Wafa, who King Charles met during his visit to Jordan in 2021. She was one of just five representatives of Prince’s Trust International invited to attend the Coronation.

    We are honoured by His Majesty King Abdullah’s words on the occasion, sending his warmest congratulations and wishes for a glorious and prosperous reign, and looking forward to continuing to advance a century-long partnership and friendship.

    His Majesty King Charles became heir apparent at the tender age of just 3 years old. This makes him Britain’s longest ever King in waiting. We all appreciate the famous Arabic proverb: Patience is the key to everything beautiful.

    Patience is just one of the many virtues of leadership that His Majesty has projected across the globe so diligently.

    As The Prince of Wales, He represented The Queen, meeting dignitaries and travelling extensively to further British interests and raise the UK’s profile abroad. He is now the United Kingdom’s most important ambassador.

    Over decades of his remarkable public service he has championed many social, environmental and charitable causes.

    He is widely known to tackle critical global issues head on. Through his love for nature, he has been at the forefront of promoting ecological sustainability for over 40 years. He is passionate about interfaith dialogue and youth empowerment and is Patron or President of more than 400 organisations.

    He has founded nearly 20 charities, which together raise over £100 million each year for good causes.

    His Majesty’s close affinity with Jordan was marked by his, and Queen Camilla’s, visit to this country as The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, to mark the centenary of our friendship. His Majesty said then that:

    feel this friendship in the most personal of ways, as Jordan has always been a part of my life.

    And many of the initiatives and causes he has championed over the years are highly relevant to Jordan.

    In response to the threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, he created the Sustainable Markets Initiative, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Its mission is to enable the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. On His Majesty’s visit in 2021, he met Jordanian academic and business leaders to discuss the vital role of the private sector in supporting the economic transition to more sustainable solutions.

    In 2006, he founded the Turquoise Mountain Foundation to revive historical areas and traditional crafts, which creates jobs and sustains heritage skills around the world. Working with artisans here in Jordan, it has supported training to develop entrepreneurship and reconnect thousands of children with their cultural heritage.

    Since Prince’s Trust International began work in Jordan in 2015, the charity has been collaborating with the government, NGOs, employers and youth groups to develop solutions to the employment challenges faced by Jordanian youth. Last year, over 12,000 students from 204 schools around Jordan participated in the Enterprise Business Challenge programme (a partnership programme with INJAZ) to develop entrepreneurial skills that boost employability.

    During his 2021 visit, His Majesty shared his admiration of Jordan’s roles in interfaith cohesion. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Abdullah’s role as Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem as a vital element in the search for peace in the region. And he underlined the UK’s admiration for Jordan as a constant voice of moderation, fostering greater understanding between different faiths and communities.

    As a Patron of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, over the years His Majesty has promoted a better understanding of the Islamic world and championed the integration of young Muslims in the UK. His Majesty cherishes the Islamic World as “one of the greatest treasuries of accumulated wisdom and spiritual knowledge available to humanity” and as “A priceless gift to the rest of the World.”

    Over the past year, as His representatives, my Embassy and the British government have continued to develop and strengthen our relationship with Jordan at all levels.

    In addition to attending the Coronation last week, we were honoured that His Majesty King Abdullah visited London last November as one of the first world leaders to meet His Majesty King Charles III, and to call on our new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In April, His Majesty King Abdullah and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attended the historic 200th Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst alongside King Charles. Foreign Minister Safadi made an official visit to his UK counterpart in London in March. Like others, we are looking forward to the happy occasion of the Royal Wedding here in June and wish the Royal couple a lifetime of happiness together.

    The warmth of these visits and our other many royal and political interactions over the last year is testament to the enduring closeness of our bilateral relationship, but also to the many concrete areas in which we are cooperating with Jordan in the interests of both our nations.

    • politically, we are grateful for Jordan’s tireless efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and we value our strategic partnership and joint work on the many challenging regional and international issues. We appreciate Jordan’s principled stance in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and their support on recent evacuations from Sudan
    • our security cooperation continues to be first-class, with the Armed Forces, Public Security Directorate and other security actors, often in partnership with many of those represented here tonight
    • economically, we are working to maximise the value of our new bilateral trade agreement to boost economic prosperity in both our countries. And we are supporting Jordan to advance reforms that will help increase trade, investment and economic growth
    • we are a committed long-term partner in helping Jordan provide a safe haven to millions of refugees from Syria and the region. We are supporting the provision of education, social protection and cash assistance to the most vulnerable people in society
    • we recognise that societies can’t grow and develop unless men and women can both realise their full potential. We are proud to be supporting efforts to increase the participation of women in Jordan’s economy and security forces, whilst also providing services to survivors of gender-based violence
    • climate change is the threat of our generation and one that we must tackle together. We support Jordan in delivering the commitments they made at COP26 in Glasgow and in adapting to the impact of climate change

    In closing, let me return to the reason for this evening’s celebration and the Coronation of King Charles III. At a time of many global challenges, his leadership qualities offer us all something to admire. So I pay tribute to: His lifelong commitment to public service; His tireless promotion of charitable causes; and His championing of young people, interfaith relations and sustainability.

    And I am happy to be able to share with you all a personal message of appreciation from King Charles.

    In particular, I should like to thank all of our sponsors this evening, for making this event possible. Their names are on the screen behind me. I am proud of the GREAT British businesses, innovation and world class services we have here in Jordan. I am very grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to work closely with you and further growing our trade links.

    I would also like to thank our musicians this evening: the Jordanian group Octave, who have collaborated with the British Council and who played for His Majesty King Charles on his last visit to Jordan; the wonderful band kindly loaned to us for the evening by the Jordanian Armed Forces, and pianist Helena Lloyd who has played music from across the four nations that make up the UK, including pieces and composers represented at the Coronation itself.

    I would like to thank all of my team at the Embassy and at the Residence for their work to make this evening possible and for all their hard work throughout the year. And I would like to thank my family for all their support.

    Finally, I want to thank all of you for everything you do to contribute personally to the relationship between the UK and Jordan for the benefit of our people.

    Please join me in recognising His Majesty’s exemplary commitment and service, and in wishing him every success and strength during his reign.

    Long live King Charles. To The King!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Producers urged to address ‘flushable’ wet wipes labelling [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Producers urged to address ‘flushable’ wet wipes labelling [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 29 May 2023.

    Environment Secretary asks producers to address concerns over ‘flushable’ labelling of wet wipes.

    Government has stepped up action to tackle harmful plastics and clean up our waterways by challenging producers of wet wipes to address concerns over how they label their products.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has written to wet wipes producers setting out her concerns about the number of wet wipes that are flushed down UK toilets – between 2.1 – 2.9 billion each year – and has asked them to reconsider the use of the word ‘flushable’ on packaging to help prevent sewer blockages and water pollution.

    Wet wipes contribute to 94 percent** of sewer blockages, which can lead to damage to properties and can result in sewage-related litter entering the environment. It is estimated that water companies spend £100m each year dealing with this. The Environment Secretary has told producers that labels saying ‘flushable’ or ‘fine to flush’ may encourage consumers to dispose of wipes down the toilet, rather than disposing of them responsibly in the bin.

    Wet wipes producers have now been asked to set out how they will address these concerns.

    This week (26 May) Water Minister Rebecca Pow attended a summit in Paris, where the UK, alongside 52 other members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution (HAC), has signed a far-reaching Joint Ministerial Statement that calls for a range of mandatory provisions to be included in the global plastic pollution treaty, currently under negotiation.

    Water Minister, Rebecca Pow said:

    “It is vital that producers are more transparent with their guidance on flushability, as ultimately wet wipes that are dumped down the toilet can cause damage to our environment and water quality.

    “This is alongside the wider action we’re taking on water quality, including tougher enforcement for water companies, more investment and tighter regulation to stop pollution happening in the first place.”

    This action follows on from commitments made in the government’s Plan for Water to write to producers and advertising authorities about using the word ‘flushable’ on wet wipes packaging.

    The Plan for Water also committed to a public consultation on the proposal to ban wet wipes containing plastic, responding to public calls to tackle the blight of plastic in our waterways and building on recent action from major retailers including Boots and Tesco. The government will work with industry and making sure plastic-free alternatives are always available to the public.

    These plans build on our previous efforts to eliminate avoidable plastic waste, including:

    • One of the world’s toughest bans on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products announced in 2018
    • Restrictions on the supply of single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds in 2020.
    • Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022 – a tax of £200 per tonne on plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into the UK, that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

    Following the huge success of the 5p single-use carrier bag charge, in May 2021 we also increased the minimum charge to 10p and extended it to all retailers, taking billions of bags out of circulation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech, innovation and research ties with India [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech, innovation and research ties with India [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

    Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

    • Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
    • he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian Government
    • Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries

    Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

    UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

    The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

    Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

    The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

    A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

    Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

    In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

    Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

    With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also fo2r the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Better support for bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide and major incidents [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Better support for bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide and major incidents [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 May 2023.

    Homicide Service expanded to support more people impacted by homicide and tragedies such as Grenfell Tower fire.

    • access to support for children and young people impacted by homicide
    • extra investment to see thousands more people eligible for vital support

    Bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide or major criminal incidents like the Manchester Arena bombing will receive better support than ever thanks to important changes coming into force on Thursday (1 June 2023).

    The Homicide Service, backed by £5.27 million of government funding, provides essential services and practical support to families bereaved by murder or manslaughter – such as emotional and practical support like transportation as well as trauma and bereavement counselling and help navigating the criminal justice system.

    Currently, the service – delivered on behalf of government by charity Victim Support – provides services for people who have been bereaved through murder or manslaughter.

    But thanks to new measures coming into effect this week – and following a successful pilot in London which expanded the programme to eyewitnesses of homicide these life-changing services will be expanded to provide support to all those who directly witness a homicide or major criminal incident across England and Wales – approximately 1,200 more people.

    Figures show that 8 out of 10 bereaved family members who have accessed support through the Homicide Service have reported a better outlook on life with 6 out of 10 saying it improved their health and sleep.

    Today’s news builds on the government’s wider commitments to place victims at the heart of the justice system through the Victims and Prisoners Bill ensuring those impacted are always supported and have somewhere to turn.

    Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

    The Homicide Service provides vital support to the families of victims under the worst of circumstances – ensuring they have the emotional and practical help they need to cope with their loss.

    By expanding the service to include eyewitnesses and bereaved families of major incidents across England and Wales thousands more people will be able to access the support they need as early as possible.

    For the first time ever the Homicide Service will provide support to children and young people in the community after a major incident or local murder that impacts them directly such as a teacher, pupil or religious leader.

    This will ensure the most vulnerable in society can receive professional help as quickly as possible to cope with traumatic events that could adversely impact their mental health.

    Ellen Milazzo, Head of the National Homicide Service at Victim Support, said:

    We are honoured to continue to deliver the National Homicide Service, which provides such vital support to those whose loved ones are killed through murder or manslaughter. We set up the service in 2010 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since. Expanding it to include support for direct eyewitnesses to homicide or a major criminal incident where a person is killed, alongside enhanced support for children and young people, is a brilliant step. These changes will enable us to deliver the best possible service for victims and ensure everyone impacted by homicide gets the help they need.

    Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

    This expansion of the Homicide Service, and additional new funding, will help ensure that more people bereaved through homicides and major criminal incidents across England and Wales, and eyewitnesses to those events, know they have somewhere to turn for help, where they can get the support they need.

    The enhanced service will work alongside other government measures to help the victims and bereaved of major incidents. In March the government committed to creating an Independent Public Advocate (IPA) as part of the Victims and Prisoners Bill. This will work on behalf of families and provide dedicated support in the aftermath of major incidents like Hillsborough to guide them from as close to the incident as possible to the conclusion of any inquiry and ensure they get access to all available support services.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech and innovation ties with India [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech and innovation ties with India [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2023.

    Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad will visit India from 27 to 31 May to accelerate science and technology ties.

    • Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
    • he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian government
    • Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries

    Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

    Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

    UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

    The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

    Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

    The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

    A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

    Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

    In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The Minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

    Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

    With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also for the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Violence in the north of Kosovo – joint statement [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Violence in the north of Kosovo – joint statement [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    This joint statement on violence in the north of Kosovo is by France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

    Joint statement by France, Italy, Germany, the UK and the US:

    We condemn Kosovo’s decision to force access to municipal buildings in northern Kosovo despite our call for restraint. We call on Kosovo’s authorities to immediately step back and de-escalate, and to closely coordinate with EULEX and KFOR.

    We condemn attacks on EULEX in Zvecan.

    We are concerned by Serbia’s decision to raise the level of readiness of its Armed Forces at the border with Kosovo and call all parties for maximum restraint, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens pledge to end plastic pollution by 2040 [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens pledge to end plastic pollution by 2040 [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

    UK signs Ministerial Statement calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

    The UK, alongside 52 other members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution, has signed a far-reaching Ministerial Statement, calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

    The HAC is a coalition of over 50 governments that have since agreed to end plastic pollution by 2040.

    The Joint Ministerial Statement, published today, calls for a range of mandatory provisions to be included in the global plastic pollution treaty, currently under negotiation. These include reducing the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels; eliminating and restricting unnecessary, avoidable or problematic plastics, chemicals and products; and eliminating the release of plastics into nature, amongst others.

    The statement comes ahead of the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) taking place in Paris next week and sets out the HAC’s key ambitions for INC-2, taking the UK one step further towards the ambition of ending plastic pollution by 2040.

    Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats that we currently face and is interlinked with climate change and biodiversity loss. This Joint Ministerial Statement builds on the UK government’s commitment to help to develop an ambitious, international legally binding treaty that demands urgent action on plastics and drives forward our mission to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    Plastic pollution continues to have a devastating effect on our world’s ocean, people and the wider environment. That’s why it’s more important than ever to step up, take action and drive forward the change needed to bring an end to plastic pollution globally.

    I am proud to be amongst other HAC members signing this statement that calls for ambitious new measures within the global plastics treaty and look forward to some productive and high-reaching discussions in the upcoming INC-2 meeting in Paris.

    The HAC statement builds on the UK’s wider commitments and work to protect and enhance the marine environment.

    Earlier this year, delivering on the Environmental Improvement Plan the government announced the designation of the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters and launched a consultation on proposed management measures for sandeel fishing with the aim to reduce further negative impacts on important marine biodiversity.

    Building on our existing single-use plastic bans and carrier bag charge, the Government is introducing further bans from October on a range of single-use plastic items – including plates, cutlery, balloon sticks and expanded and extruded polystyrene drinks containers. In April, we also announced that we will ban the sale of wet wipes containing plastic subject to public consultation.

    The INC- 2 meeting taking place in Paris is the second out of five sessions with United Nations member states. A global plastic pollution treaty is hoped to be finalised by the end of 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Sundar Pichai [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Sundar Pichai [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet – the parent company of Google – at the Government’s Darlington Economic Campus.

    The Prime Minister thanked Mr Pichai for Google’s role at the heart of the UK’s technology ecosystem, and they spoke about opportunities for growth in the industry.

    They discussed the UK’s strengths and ambitions in cementing its position as a science and technology superpower, reflecting on recent government announcements, including the publication of the AI White Paper.

    On Artificial Intelligence, they spoke about striking the right balance to ensure the right regulatory guardrails are in place, whilst driving forward innovation. They discussed possible opportunities for industry and international collaboration on safe and responsible AI development and agreed to remain in touch on this issue.